2013 Bassmaster Classic coming to Grand Lake in February

Oklahoma pro bass angler Edwin Evers signs an autograph at the start of last year's Bassmaster Classic on the Red River in Bossier City, La. Evers is one of three Oklahoma pros who qualified for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic next month on Grand Lake. Tommy Biffle of Wagoner and Jason Christie of Park Hill also will be fishing in the tournament which will award $500,000 to the winner. AP ARCHIVE PHOTO

Look for contests, giveaways, seminars and special appearances. Many well-known pro bass anglers will be at the various booths. Classic competitors are known to show up at the Expo after the weigh-in.

Tip: Ask about test rides. Then there are the add-ons that all the best bass boats wear, from Power-Pole positioning devices to the newest in fish finding and GPS technology.

Show-goers don't have to leave the exhibit hall with a bad case of look-can't-buy. Retailers, such as Dick's Sporting Goods, will be there stocked and ready to sell.

At the weigh-in: This is the main attraction. Arena doors open each day at 3 p.m. at the BOK Center. That's right across the street from the where the Expo will be, so it's a park-once-and-you're-done deal for those driving to the downtown destinations.

Fans are advised to come early, get a good seat and enjoy some surprise entertainment.

The first two days all 53 of the Classic competitors will walk across the stage. Not all will pull lunkers out of their livewells, but it's a rare Classic angler who doesn't have a good fish or two to show off to the crowd.

On the final day, when the field is cut to the Top 25, a $500,000 first prize will be on the line.

If previous Classic finales are any indication, the excitement level will hit the rafters.